There will be another showing of these animated short films on Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Trustees Theater.
“The Missing Scarf ” Rating: 4/5
This two-dimensional animation uses simple shapes to create a scene worth watching, while the narrative offers plenty of advice to keep it interesting. While Albert the squirrel looks for his missing scarf, he finds animals with problems. Go on the journey with this origami squirrel and see what he has to say to the fox, beaver and bear he encounters while searching for his scarf, because it’s got more depth than the simple graphics let on and is quite an entertaining ride.
“Irish Folk Furniture” Rating: 2/5
This animated documentary about refurbishing old furniture in Ireland fell flat without a story to transition between frames. Director Tony Donoghue created this flick using an inexpensive camera, taking thousands of photos to create stop-motion animation, which showed nicely with flickered pauses between pictures. Short snippets from interviews cut in and out instead of an actual explanation or storyline. There was real potential here with heritage and history at it’s roots, which begins to show as the short picks up and the furniture undergoes a transformation, but unfortunately this color doesn’t come until the flick is practically over.
“The Rose of Turaida” Rating: 5/5
Who knew anyone could create such a wonderful short film with sand animation? The style of animation, using negative space — like cutouts or photocopies — to create images, suits this story that takes place in the seventeenth century. The music and accent of the narrator both add to story, creating suspense about a young girl in love. Rumors of her beauty run across lands so of course someone tries to step between her and her love. Ryan Grobins, writer, director and producer took a true story and turned it into a tale you can enjoy on screen while feeling like you’re circled around a campfire.
“Love in the Time of Advertising” Rating: 3/5
This short full of color is able to draw you in, despite all of the cheesy rhymes and silly characters. David Bokser, the writer and director, created a story about a man that lives in a billboard and got it working with a musical narrative that kept the mood light. It’s hard not to smile when this big-nosed fella tries to win the affection of his cheerful neighbor, using advertisements on his billboard. You might squirm away from the western tune and the cheesiness, but it’ll certainly get a chuckle out of ya.
“Sci-Fly ” Rating: 1/5
“Sci-Fly” shoots out at warp speed and soars on by, leaving nothing but color and noise. It’s not clear whether the writer, Kendall Music, or the director, Joey Shanks, is to blame because it’s not clear if there is even a story or purpose. It’s hard to grasp anything because it’s unclear what you’re looking at — possibly space, particles, lights, maybe some water. The sound effects are the only thing that saves this film — if that’s possible — creating a better picture. It’s an artistic piece that’s too ambiguous to connect with or even understand.
“Fear of Flying” Rating: 4/5
It’s time to fly south, but not for one little bird. Be sure to hang back with this fella and see his side of things. This live action animated short shows the life of this bird as he prepares for the winter. It may use all the techniques adult cartoons, such as Family Guy, employ to get the audience to giggle, but it is cuter and the jokes aren’t as crude. The music sets the mood, dramatizing some scenes while leaving plenty of room for laughter at just the right moments. OK, maybe his Sharpie legs are a little annoying, but other than that there’s not much to complain about.
“Mr. Hublot” Rating: 5/5
Settle into your seat and watch Mr. Hublot squirm as he tries to keep his house in order. This funny short sets you right into the mechanic city Mr. Hublot lives in, packed with homes made of hides and robotic people flying in and out of the city with mini helicopter blades on their heads. As soon as the homeless robot pup barks on the street below, you know there’s no way the obsessively compulsive main character can stay away. The animation is top notch from every stitched detail in clothing to the scratches on Mr. Hublot’s nose and the music just adds to the setting. Here’s one to enjoy.
